Hoping to bring a fresh face and fresh ideas to Council.

If elected, one of my primary objectives will be to put the heart back into Whangarei by encouraging development in the central business district and linking major shopping areas and the town basin.

A focus needs to be made on infrastructure and we need projects that will satisfy not just short term needs but will be here for future generations to enjoy in the years to come. By planning ahead the Council should be able to cut long term costs. Eg: several quick fixes on our sewer system will cost a lot more long term than if we just spent the money and fixed it properly. 

Our beaches and harbour are one of Whangarei’s greatest assets so I suggest finding a solution for our pollution issues before completing large projects such as a new harbour crossing.

While some may argue that this will be nothing new, I politely offer that we must then do something differently. We need a voice in Council who thinks not just of the short term future but of the long term future of Whangarei.

We can be a great city but first we need a better foundation to build from.

Top 5 Issues

1. CBD development and linkage of major shopping areas:
   We need to encourage growth and development in the CBD rather than allowing yet more satellite shopping areas to open. This process will take longer than three years however the groundwork can be completed now.
   
2. Sewer system:
   Sort out the sewer system once and for all. The pollution of our harbour is a major issue that should be given priority. Rather than a 'quick fix' we need to ensure there is the capacity to accommodate future growth of the city so the problem doesn't resurface every few years.
   
3. Contracts to local businesses and contractors:
   As a district we need to offer contracts to local businesses and contractors. Local money should stay local if possible.
   
4. Thinking long term:
   Make sure all new buildings and infrastructure are built with enough redundancy and foresight so they will be useful in 20 years plus. This may cost more in the short term but long term it's more cost efficient.
   
5. Encourage tourism:
   Make Whangarei a 'must stop' for any tourist heading north.
   

Personal Profile

I am well travelled and along with Whangarei have lived in New Plymouth and London.  I have seen first hand what makes other small cities great and feel I can apply some of these principles in Whangarei.